An easy three-mile walk including ancient woodland and the Chesterfield Canal towpath, near Worksop.
Table of Contents
The Route
- What3Words for start point: ///thrashed.intrigues.pass
- Start Point: Worksop Rd, Worksop S80 3JU
- Finish Point: Worksop Rd, Worksop S80 3JU
- Distance: 3 Miles
GPX Route Map
Download file for GPSWalk Description
The walk starts at The Parish Oven public house in Thorpe Salvin, S80 3JU. Turn left out of the car park and head out of the village past the Recreation Ground. After the last houses, go left though a kissing gate and follow the path beside the field.
Pass through another kissing gate, follow the path and go down the steps. Follow the track by the canal into Hawks Wood. Old Spring Wood and Hawks Wood are ancient woodlands dating back to at least 1600. Hawks Wood has many young trees with a diverse ground flora, whilst Old Spring Wood is very dark because of its closely growing older trees. Both are full of wild flowers in the spring.
After about 200m turn right at the junction and follow the edge of the wood. You will be able to see the remains of Thorpe Hall in the distance which was built in 1570. It is said to be the inspiration for Torquilstone in the novel lvanhoe by Sir Walter Scott. The now ruined mansion was once owned by Thomas Osborne, who became Duke of Leeds and moved out to a grander property in Kiveton Park, the hall fell into disuse. It was partially demolished in the 1820s, with only the south front now remaining.
At another way marker post take the path to your right down the slope and at the bottom you will come to Devil’s Hole Bridge which takes you over the canal. Head along the towpath with the canal on your right, passing underneath Pudding Dyke Bridge.
Continue over the weir on the boardwalk with white handrails. Eventually you will reach Thorpe Top Treble Locks. The canal here lay derelict for nearly a century until 2002/3 when an incredible project restored all 23 Grade ll listed locks in 54 weeks.
Walk underneath Thorpe Locks Bridge and then double back onto it. Cross the canal into the wood, taking the right-hand path that runs parallel with the canal. When you come out of the wood, turn right and follow the track past the water treatment works. This will take you to the steps that you used earlier. Retrace your steps back to The Parish Oven.